Animals interact with their environments in complex ways across space and time. These interactions are in turn influenced by human activities that take place across dynamic coupled human and natural systems. Understanding such phenomena is important for the management of endangered species, which face increasing threats from human influences on fragile landscapes. This dissertation presents investigations of the behavior and ecology of the endangered giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), an elusive species whose behavior is not fully understood. The objective of this work is to better understand giant panda space use and habitat selection across a coupled human and natural system and in turn provide recommendations for management of pandas and their habitat for the future.My research team used global positioning system (GPS) collars to track individual giant pandas in Wolong Nature Reserve, Sichuan, China. We integrate these data with other diverse sources including field surveys, geographic information systems (GIS), and remotely sensed imagery to address a number of key questions relevant to giant panda ecology. These include (a) identifying key patterns and complexities in existing giant panda habitat selection studies (Chapter 2); (b) exploring giant panda space use using novel model-based approaches (Chapter 3); and (c) investigating habitat use and selection patterns by individual pandas across continuous space (Chapter 4). We then build on this knowledge to explore emerging issues in management of giant pandas and their habitat, including (a) the efficacy of zoning designations for spatially segregating giant panda conservation and human development (Chapter 5) and (b) the impact of livestock grazing, an increasing but understudied threat to giant pandas and their habitat (Chapter 6).By synthesizing previous literature, we found evidence of interactive effects of different habitat characteristics on panda habitat selection (e.g. slope and forest disturbance), variation in selection across different selection levels (e.g. geographic range vs. home range), and differences in habitat use based on habitat availability (e.g. declining use with increasing availability of secondary forests, Chapter 2). We also found that pandas occupied small home ranges (2.8 - 6 km^2) made up of several small core areas and displayed significant dynamic spatio-temporal interactions with neighboring individuals (Chapter 3). Pandas used a broader range of habitat characteristics than previously understood, such as steep slopes and non-forest areas, while solar radiation was a significant predictor of both habitat use and selection (Chapter 4). Zoning designations designed to spatially segregate pandas and humans had mixed effects, being successful at containing infrastructural development but not all human activities, while also leaving around 50% of suitable panda habitat in vulnerable zones (Chapter 5). Domestic, free-ranging horses had a measurable negative impact on giant pandas and their habitat by overlapping spatially with suitable giant panda habitat, displaying similar habitat selection patterns as pandas, and consuming large amounts of bamboo (Chapter 6). Our results provide a novel perspective on giant panda ecology and conservation at the individual animal level, information which can inform efforts to manage the increasingly degraded habitat to promote long-term sustainability of the species. The integrative model-based approaches used throughout the dissertation also provide a potential framework for studies on other species around the globe facing similar human pressures across coupled human and natural systems.
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